title: Natural head position and growth of the facial part of the skull.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine any correlation between natural head position and cranio-cervical growth direction and if natural head position influences facial growth direction. One hundred sixty (160) cephalometric radiographs were examined and cranio-cervical inclinations determined (angles: NS-Ver, NS-OPT, NS-CVT). On the basis of the NS-ML angle, radiographs were divided into two groups: mandibular anteriorotation and posteriorotation. On the basis of the SGo/NMe index, two groups were formed: short-faced and long-faced subjects. The angles NS-Ver, NS-OPT, and NS-CVT describe cranio-cervical inclination. Subjects with anterior mandible growth do position their heads more vertically and have a shorter face, and those with posterior mandible growth tilt their heads more backwards and have a longer face. An adaptive head position can be a factor in altering the direction of facial growth. Determination of head position and mandible growth direction can be an important indicator in patients with TMD treatment.
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Lodz, Poland. dr.dr.anna.m@gmail.com
authors.forename: Anna M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dubojska
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smiech-Slomkowska
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000254:growth & development; D002648:Child; D002680:Chin / Q000254:growth & development; D005145:Face; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000254:growth & development*; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000254:growth & development; D008437:Maxilla / Q000254:growth & development; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000254:growth & development; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000254:growth & development; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000254:growth & development; D012886:Skull / Q000254:growth & development; D019291:Skull Base / Q000254:growth & development